Fluid transfer tube

Abstract

A torque-transfer assembly includes a fluid transfer tube located within a bore of a shaft. The fluid transfer tube seals to the shaft and includes at least one fluid groove that communicates between a plurality of fluid ports located in the shaft. The fluid groove is defined by an outer surface of the fluid transfer tube.

1. A fluid transfer tube for communicating fluid between a plurality of fluid ports in a torque-transfer assembly, the fluid transfer tube comprising:
 a cylindrical outer surface sealingly engaged with the torque-transfer assembly, the outer surface having a plurality of fluid grooves defined by a curved indented surface on the outer surface, wherein each of the plurality of fluid grooves is in fluid communication with a plurality of fluid ports in the torque-transfer assembly, and wherein a first of the plurality of fluid grooves has a depth and a width less than a depth and a width of each of the other of the plurality of fluid grooves; 
 an inner surface that defines a central passage coaxial with the cylindrical outer surface; 
 a first end that defines a first opening that communicates with the central passage; and 
 a second end that defines a second opening that communicates with the central passage; and 
 wherein fluid flow communicates from one of the plurality of fluid ports in the torque-transfer assembly, through one of the plurality of fluid grooves to another of the plurality of fluid ports in the torque-transfer assembly. 
 
     
     
       2. The fluid transfer tube of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of fluid grooves includes three fluid grooves spaced equally circumferentially apart on the outer surface of the fluid transfer tube. 
     
     
       3. The fluid transfer tube of  claim 2  wherein the curved indented surfaces of the three fluid grooves have a cross-sectional thickness equal to a cross-sectional thickness of the outer surface. 
     
     
       4. The fluid transfer tube of  claim 1  wherein a length of each individual groove of the plurality of fluid grooves is at least equal to a distance between two of the plurality of fluid ports that communicate with the individual groove. 
     
     
       5. The fluid transfer tube of  claim 1  wherein each of the plurality of fluid ports is in fluid communication with only one of the plurality of fluid grooves. 
     
     
       6. The fluid transfer tube of  claim 1  wherein the fluid transfer tube is under compressive strain from the torque-transfer assembly. 
     
     
       7. The fluid transfer tube of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of fluid grooves cooperates with an inner surface of the torque-transfer assembly to communicate fluid between at least two of the plurality of fluid ports. 
     
     
       8. The fluid transfer tube of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of fluid grooves includes three fluid grooves, and wherein each of the three fluid grooves is in fluid communication with at least two of the plurality of fluid ports.